Pitfalls
Leprous make the voice the centre of Pitfalls. Guitars still have a place, but synths, strings and electronic rhythms carry much of the Norwegian band's sixth album. Einar Solberg moves from a quiet delivery to high, forceful singing, often giving the songs their strongest changes of mood. The approach produces some excellent moments, though the balance can leave the other musicians with too little space.
Below introduces that sound through a patient build. The early keyboard atmosphere gives way to a much larger chorus, with the voice and orchestral colours rising together. It is dramatic without needing a constant wall of distorted guitar. The clear production makes the different layers easy to follow.
I Lose Hope puts a darker vocal mood over a surprisingly danceable rhythm. Its bass and synth parts provide movement while the singing keeps the emotional weight in place. Observe The Train slows things down, allowing atmosphere to become more important than a large instrumental payoff. These songs show how far the band can move towards pop without losing their uneasy character.
There are firmer connections to rock elsewhere. By My Throne brings guitar and drums into a more active conversation, and At The Bottom places electronic detail beside heavier changes. The contrast is effective because the weight arrives as part of an arrangement, rather than becoming the default setting. Foreigner offers a shorter, more direct burst of guitar energy.
The Sky Is Red gives the instrumental side its largest opportunity. Its extended closing position allows the drums, riffs and darker background sounds to develop together. The performance has a restless quality that some of the earlier material holds back. It also makes the quieter tracks seem more restrained in comparison.
That difference is the album's main limitation. Solberg's singing is impressive, but its constant prominence can make the sequence feel narrower than the range of sounds suggests. Not every slow build earns the same response. Still, Pitfalls contains strong songs and a clear artistic direction. It is a rewarding choice for listeners interested in progressive rock that gives electronic texture and vocal melody as much attention as the guitars.
